Hiatal Hernia vs. Paraesophageal Hernia: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Acid reflux disease is a common complaint in the Western world, but sometimes the symptoms of heartburn and chest pain are indicators of a more serious condition. Hiatal hernia or paraesophageal hernia may be the problem.

Symptoms

• Hiatal hernia often presents with heartburn that goes away with antacids, fullness in the chest and chest discomfort. Paraesophageal hernia may have these symptoms, and may also include nausea, vomiting and more severe chest pain.

Diagnosis

• Hiatal hernia is diagnosed when a portion of the stomach bulges up into the esophagus. If the stomach gets stuck or twists itself around the esophagus, the more serious condition of paraesophageal hernia is diagnosed.

Treatment

• Losing stomach fat, diet change and targeted exercise can often improve hiatal hernia symptoms; surgery is sometimes required. Paraesophageal hernia requires surgery.

Prognosis

• The outlook is excellent for this type of surgery per Andrew F. Pierre, MD and James D. Luketich, MD in their article published on The Cardiothoracic Surgery Network site in 2003.

Considerations

• If you have either of these conditions, but do not have bothersome symptoms, your doctor may decide to postpone surgery.